The
HARC Foundation was founded in 1990 as a publicly supported 501(c)(3)
nonprofit corporation and subsequently received its temporary
tax exemption status as an arts organization and traumatized
children’s
service organization in 1991 with permanent exemption being
granted in 1995.
It has been
our belief since formation of the Foundation, that federal,
state and local governments as well as the American philanthropic
community have not created a satisfactory support structure
for America’s
emerging Creative Artists. In a country as advanced as America,
at the very least, we should have a dynamic and powerful framework
in which creativity can flourish and thrive.
Although
American arts culture is largely indebted to Europe for its
early influences and training, Americans need to appreciate
the classic tradition of art patronage. The Europeans realized
long ago that sponsoring Creative Artists was necessary in
order to provide and preserve a productive environment where
creativity could flourish and prosper. Claude Monet, for example,
was sponsored and supported by French Prime Minister Georges
Clemenceau who also secured Monet’s great waterlilly
cycle. Without such patronage, it is probable that many of
the masterpieces we love would have never been created.
Imagine life without creative works of art! The consequences
would be overwhelming. Throughout history, Creative Artists and
their creations have made a profound difference in the quality
and evolution of our culture and humanity.
Creative art is a veritable treasure; a natural resource. Every
day it empowers humanity aesthetically, therapeutically and economically.
It has the ability to transform personal insights into universal
truths; to vitalize the heartland of every cultured community;
to heal the wounds inflicted by daily struggle with reality;
and to become a mighty tool of economic development and strength.
The process of creativity is a genuine gift from the soul of
the creator to the soul of humanity. It allows a simple idea
to come into being and form a new living expression. The formulation
into actual artistic creation requires disciplines, attitudes
and energies that are unparalleled by most other occupations.
Its mastery and productivity are dependent upon respect, encouragement,
nurturing, recognition and support - most if not all of which
must come from outside sources.
The contemporary political climate suggests an urgent need to
proliferate a fundamental understanding and respect for the importance
and value of Creative Arts to our society; to provide specific
programs that will sustain support of the Creative Artists themselves;
and, to instill an attitude and environment that will foster
creative prosperity. It is essential that every state and every
community invest and reinvest in their own natural creative resources.
The HARC Foundation is committed to these needs.
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